By Terri Noble – Espanola, ON — February 9, 2026 — The Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce a generous donation of $174,500 from Unifor Action Centre. This significant contribution will directly support the hospital’s Palliative Care Team and improve the experience of patients and families requiring end-of-life care.
“The Unifor Action Center was originally established to support union members from Unifor Locals 74 and 156 and UBEW Local 956 that were impacted by the idling of the mill. After fulfilling its mandate, surplus funds remained. In keeping with the spirit of solidarity and community support that had guided the creation of the Action Center, the committee has donated the excess funds to the Palliative Care Team.”
“The Action Center was built to support our members during one of the most challenging times our community has faced. While the mill’s idling was a difficult time, we are proud that the remaining funds can now help support compassionate end-of-life care in our community. The Action Center committee would like to thank Unifor National, Domtar, government partners, Unifor Local 74 and the Action Center Team of Coordinators whose contributions made both the Action Center’s success and this meaningful donation possible.”
“On behalf of Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre, I want to sincerely thank Unifor Local 74 for their extraordinary generosity and ongoing commitment to our community. This remarkable donation reflects the powerful role that local partnerships and community support play in ensuring that essential services—like compassionate, high-quality palliative care—are available close to home.” said Martin Lees, CEO ERHHC. “Contributions like this do more than enhance our facilities; they help us create spaces where patients and families can experience dignity, comfort, and connection during some of life’s most difficult moments. We are deeply grateful for Unifor’s leadership and for the community spirit that makes initiatives like this possible.”
The donation will be used to retrofit the existing palliative/hospice room, transforming it into a more welcoming, comfortable, and family-centered space. Planned upgrades include a redesigned lounge area and an enhanced bathroom with shower facilities to better meet the needs of patients and their loved ones during difficult times.
In addition, a portion of the funds will support the creation of a dedicated family gathering area in the courtyard adjacent to the acute care unit. This outdoor space will offer families a peaceful place to connect, reflect, and find comfort while staying close to their loved one receiving care.
“We are incredibly grateful to Unifor Action Centre for their remarkable generosity,” said Terri Noble, Public Relations Coordinator of the Espanola Regional Hospital Foundation. “This donation will
have a lasting impact on the quality of care we provide and the experience of families who rely on these important services.”
Unifor’s commitment to community well-being continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across the region.
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